OUR RESEARCH
We investigate the effects of nutrition and exercise on body composition, focusing on fat, muscle, and bone tissues in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. Our aim is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the crosstalk between these tissues during growth and aging stages. Our ultimate goal is to develop preventive strategies through nutrition and exercise to optimize body composition across the lifespan and improve health span.
We specifically explore the impacts of different nutrients such as fatty acids (e.g., omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), vitamin D, as well as dietary patterns and exercise on body composition. Our research involves assessing body composition using imaging techniques such as DXA, as well as conducting extensive molecular assessments, biochemical analyses, and gene expression.
We specifically explore the impacts of different nutrients such as fatty acids (e.g., omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), vitamin D, as well as dietary patterns and exercise on body composition. Our research involves assessing body composition using imaging techniques such as DXA, as well as conducting extensive molecular assessments, biochemical analyses, and gene expression.
Pre-clinical studiesUsing animal models will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind body composition changes throughout the lifespan, as well as the crosstalk among fat, muscle, and bone tissues.
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Clinical studiesOur findings from animal studies will be validated through human/clinical studies, and vice versa. Translational research findings will also offer opportunities for mechanistic investigations in pre-clinical studies.
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Dr. Zahra Farahnak (Principal investigator)
I am Dr. Farahnak, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Memorial University. I have an interdisciplinary training background in Nutrition, Public health and Exercise physiology and expertise in both pre-clinical and clinical research, with molecular and mechanistic orientations. This comprehensive training continues to shape my research endeavors, driving my interest in testing novel hypotheses through an integrated approach. Specifically, I am keen on addressing health concerns and diseases through non-medical lifestyle interventions such as Nutrition and Exercise, aiming to promote better health through prevention strategies.
Education & Training
Postdoctoral Fellow - Montreal Heart Institute, Canada
Postdoctoral Fellow - McGill University, Canada
PhD in Physical Activity Science - University of Montreal, Canada
MPH in Nutrition - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
B.Sc. in Nutrition - Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Professional Affiliations
Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS)
American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL)
Member of the Editorial Board of Nutrition Research
Education & Training
Postdoctoral Fellow - Montreal Heart Institute, Canada
Postdoctoral Fellow - McGill University, Canada
PhD in Physical Activity Science - University of Montreal, Canada
MPH in Nutrition - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
B.Sc. in Nutrition - Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Professional Affiliations
Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS)
American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL)
Member of the Editorial Board of Nutrition Research
TEAM
CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS
Exchange students
Antonia Peil (MSc student)
Coming from the University of Potsdam, Germany, as a Graduate Student in Nutrition, I am currently an Exchange Student in Dr. Farahnak’s Lab.
During this internship I am supporting the Animal Study conducted by Narges. Together with Morgan and Pauneez, I am also working on a review paper on muscle biomarkers. |
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Honours StudentsJenna F. Evans (2023-24): The Effect of Docosahexanoic Acid on Adipogensis in 3T3L1 Cells Treated with Palmitic Acid
Nishat Tasnim Itee (2022-23): The Impact of Omega-3 on Muscle Protein Synthesis in Animal Models: A Systematic Review NSERC/SURA Students |
MUCEP Students
VolunteersSyeda Ayesha Quadri (Spring 2023)
Inemesit Nyong (Winter 2024) |
TEAM NEWS
Congratulations to Narges & Antonia for their excellent presentation in the Gong show at the Memorial University Faculty of Science SEA conference
Congratulations to lab member and Seahawks Women's Rugby player Morgan LeDrew (MSc Student) for being one of three Seahawks players asked to play in the 40th Annual Nash Bash Rugby Festival in Nashville, TN USA on March 23-24th 2024. Morgan and team won every game in their tournament, taking home first place!
LOCATION
45 Artic Ave, Core Science Facility, Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada A1C 5S7